Andrus Catches Home Run Bug

Receive the latest red-fever updates in your inbox

Elvis Andrus completely expected the cold shoulder response he got from his teammates in the dugout after his first-inning home run Monday that traveled 392 feet.

He claimed his teammates had been planning it for quite some time. And time was something they had as it was Andrus' first home run in 705 at-bats, dating back to September of 2009. That was his rookie year, when he hit 6 home runs and drove in 40 runs.

Then came last season when he was an All-Star but went homerless and drove in just 35 runs while hitting just 18 extra-base hits.

So far this season, he already has four, and in the past two games he's hit for the equivalent of the cycle and is starting to show what he might end up being.

Andrus isn't tiny at 6-0, 200 pounds. He's also incredibly young at just 22. Remember, he still has a lot of growing to do as a ballplayer and maturation to do as a hitter. If this season, so far, is any indication, he's starting to do just that.

Most people thought last year was a cruel joke when Andrus was shut out in the home run department, and it's starting to look that way with how hard he is hitting the ball.

Don't be shocked this year if Andrus hits in the 10-12 home run range, and don't be surprised if in the next couple of years he's hitting 15-17.